Cattle and carbon: Soil carbon calculations

Authors: Franzluebbers, Alan

Submitted to: Trade Journal Publication
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/18/2024
Publication Date: 11/4/2024
Citation: Franzluebbers, A.J. 2024. Cattle and carbon: Soil carbon calculations. Trade Journal Publication. Vol. 38, Issue 11, p. 14-15.

Interpretive Summary: The quantity of carbon in soil on farms varies by land use, physiographic region, and soil depth. An ARS scientist in Raleigh, North Carolina described these variations as pertaining to soils of North and South Carolina. This article is the third of an educational series targeting cattle producers as the primary audience in the monthly Carolina Cattle Connection, a trade journal for the cattle industry in the Carolinas. This article described how soil carbon concentration typically declines with depth in the soil profile. It also illustrated the large effect of how land is managed over the long term. Summary data were presented for comparing different metrics of soil organic carbon concentration and content as affected by two contrasting land uses. Farmers were presented with typical calculations needed to quantify stocks of soil organic carbon on the farm. The intent of this series of articles is to provide reliable information that can strengthen pasture management practices for the future.

Technical Abstract: The quantity of carbon in soil on farms varies by land use, physiographic region, and soil depth. An ARS scientist in Raleigh, North Carolina described these variations as pertaining to soils of North and South Carolina. This article is the third of an educational series targeting cattle producers as the primary audience in the monthly Carolina Cattle Connection, a trade journal for the cattle industry in the Carolinas. This article described how soil carbon concentration typically declines with depth in the soil profile. It also illustrated the large effect of how land is managed over the long term. Summary data were presented for comparing different metrics of soil organic carbon concentration and content as affected by two contrasting land uses. Farmers were presented with typical calculations needed to quantify stocks of soil organic carbon on the farm. The intent of this series of articles is to provide reliable information that can strengthen pasture management practices for the future.